Factory Act, 1948 – Key Compliances
The Factories Act, 1948 is a central legislation in India that regulates:
Health, safety, welfare, working hours, and employment conditions of workers in factories.
Applicable to any factory with 10 or more workers (with power) or 20 or more workers (without power).
Major Compliances under the Factories Act
1. Registration & Licensing
Obtain factory license from the Chief Inspector of Factories
Renewal of license annually or as per state rules
Display factory license at premises
2. Health & Safety Compliances
Proper ventilation, lighting, cleanliness, disposal of waste
Safe drinking water, washing facilities, and toilets
Fire safety equipment and evacuation plan
First-aid boxes with certified first-aiders
Periodic medical examination of workers (in hazardous industries)
3. Working Hours & Employment Conditions
Maximum 48 hours per week, not more than 9 hours per day
Weekly holiday (Sunday or other fixed day)
Overtime wages at 2x normal rate
Restriction on employment of young workers (14–18 years only with fitness certificate)
Prohibition of child labour (<14 years)
4. Welfare Measures
Canteen facility (if 250+ workers)
Rest rooms & shelters (if 150+ workers)
Crèche (if 30+ women workers)
Welfare officer appointment (if 500+ workers)
Safety officer appointment (if 1000+ workers or hazardous process)
5. Registers & Records to Maintain
Muster Roll (attendance register)
Register of Wages & Overtime
Leave with Wages Register
Accident/Incident Register
Health Register (for hazardous units)
Inspection Book for labour officers
6. Statutory Returns
Annual Return – Form 21 (to Chief Inspector of Factories)
Half-Yearly Return – Form 22 (accidents & manpower data)
Leave Register Return – As per state rules
Submission of health and safety compliance reports
7. Notices & Display Requirements
Abstract of the Factories Act in local language
Working hours, wage period, holidays on notice board
Name & contact of Factory Manager displayed
Safety instructions at critical locations